Chapter 78
My words caught in my throat, and my cheeks flushed red. What was I even thinking? Alex only promoted me to deal with Mr. Hastings Senior. Did I seriously think he’d go out of his way to open an assistant position just for me? I felt ashamed.
“Second question,” I took a deep breath. “That necklace is clearly not a custom design from the company. It must be your mother’s keepsake. So… why did you let me wear it?” My voice was tentative, soft as I tested the waters.
The real issue wasn’t why he gave me the necklace, but the story behind it. Alex didn’t deny what Jolene had said, which meant her claim was probably true. That necklace was meant for the future Mrs. Hastings.
I wasn’t sure what kind of answer I wanted to hear. But after asking, a wave of nervousness and unease washed over me. I was afraid of the truth—afraid it might confirm my thoughts, yet also terrified it might not.
Alex was silent for a long time before speaking. He began, “I took the wrong one.” And after what felt like forever, he continued, “Oliver brought over some samples, and I just put them in the drawer. That day, I accidentally picked up the wrong one.”
Hearing his words, my emotions became a tangled mess, and I averted my gaze. He was lying! At least, I was sure he was lying about the second question. The company’s custom designs came in luxury leather boxes. But the necklace he gave me was in an elegant wooden box. There was no way he’d just leave something so significant bundled with the samples.
My thoughts were all over the place. I didn’t want to press him for the truth, but I couldn’t stop overthinking either. So, we drove all the way to the university gate in silence. “Pack your things tonight. I’ll help you move tomorrow,” he said in a commanding tone.
“There’s no need,” I began, my hands instinctively raised to refuse, but the moment I said it, I regretted it. I didn’t know why, but I wanted to spend more time with him. But the words were already out. His gaze was fixed on me, and I couldn’t bring myself to take them back. Instead, I scrambled for an excuse.
He smiled faintly and said, “Hiring a moving company will cost you a week’s rent.”
“Then fine. I’ll leave it to you,” I said, taking the out he offered. “I’ll treat you to a meal.”
Alex’s smile deepened. “Go on. Get some rest.”
He turned the car around and drove off.
The next morning, I got a call from Alex. At the university gate. His deep, magnetic voice came through the phone, “Need help with your luggage?”
The thought of Alex helping me move and getting stared at by other students made me cringe. The rumors would spread like wildfire. So, I quickly replied, “No, thanks!”
Half an hour later, I showed up at the gate, loaded down with bags and dragging three suitcases behind me. There he was, dressed casually but looking sharp. He was leaning against the hood of last night’s Land Rover, scrolling on his phone. Everyone passing by, men and women alike, couldn’t resist sneaking a glance at him.
In contrast, I looked like a complete mess, like a refugee on the run. I felt my face burn. Why hadn’t I thought to make two trips? Now, I was standing before Alex looking utterly disheveled.